Generosity and Community

Last month I went to Exponential in Florida with the awesome staff of Restore.  Since every conference is some work and some play, we took a break and went to IKEA, one of my all time favorite stores which we DON'T have yet in Kansas City.  So while we were crusing around the store I pointed out the things I would buy if I could buy something (which I can't becuase of the year-long don't buy anything for myself project).  I even stopped and took pictures of them, a strategy I use so that I can "take" things home with me even if I don't buy them.   Here are two things I took pictures of:

Drawer and shelf liner.  Love this stuff!

Chip clip thingys.  I used to shop IKEA all the time when I lived in Chicago land, and I have been using these chip clip thingys for years.  But they have a way of disappearing over time, so I needed wanted more.

Here is what I found on my desk after returning from Florida:

The sweet, thoughtful and lovely Jenny Caraballo bought these for me and brought them back.  Oh my what a surprise!

Since beginning this year long journey of not spending money on myself, I am experiencing the generosity of others like I have never experienced it before.  My friends give me stuff.  And it's great and it's so so so so humbling at the same time.  I want to say "NOOOOO...you can't give that to me. Please get something for yourself."   And I want to make them take it back.  That is what I feel on the inside.  On the outside, I say "thanks, that is so generous of you."  

Here is what I am learning.  It is humbling to receive from others.  But it is a necissary discipline of being in true community.  I am learning a bit of what it must feel like be to in a position of being on the receiving end of someone else's generosity, and I feel one of two ways.  On my best days I feel grateful and thankful, on my worse days, I feel embarrassed and "less than."

So here is what I am coming to beleive.  Generosity, either mine to others or others to me is not about me.  I don't get to be superior nor do I get to be inferior.  The only healthy opiton in true community is a natural give and take that honors God  who gets all the glory for being an amazing provider.

 

Comments

[Hannah]

Wowowoowow. Love it and what god is teaching you!! Thankful for your willingness to share !!

[Tonya Whitman]

Beautiful Janet! :)